Replace or Fix?

So you skied a little too close to a tree or got a crampon rip in your pants. Sometimes these can be easily fixed on your own. You could bring it to a professional to fix which is still probably cheaper than just tossing and replacing. But if you're pretty handy with a needle and thread and can use a pair of scissors you can do a pretty good job yourself. DON'T use duct tape except in extreme conditions. It isn't designed to be washed and just makes a sticky mess on your clothing. Instead buy some K-tape which comes in clear and a variety of colors. It is designed to be washed and keeps the waterproofing of your garment intact. It is available at most outdoor stores. Sometimes in the case of a rip it is better to get at it from the backside/inside. Start by opening the lining of the garment. Usually if you turn a coat inside out you'll see on one of the sleeves a section of seam that is sewn on the outside which is where you'll open up the lining. Then access the rip area. Sew the two sides of the rip together with a zigzag machine stitch or a whip stitch by hand. Then cut a rounded (square edges catch and start to peel off easier than round corners) piece of Kenyon K-tape and cover your sewing. Then resew the lining seam and turn your garment right side out and you're good to go. A small hole on a pair of pants you can just cut a piece of the tape and put right over the hole from the right side. See how easy that was.